1

Civil Structural Engineer Jobs in Chester, VA (NOW HIRING)

Deep knowledge of PE Civil Structural examination content covering structural analysis, steel design, concrete design, wood design, masonry, seismic design, and structural engineering codes including ...

S. in Civil Engineering • Professional Engineer (P.E.) Licensure required • Experience in all ... structural analysis programs and bridge design software • Thorough knowledge of AASHTO LRFD and ...

Senior Structural Engineer

Richmond, VA · On-site

$99K - $135K/yr

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Civil or Structural Engineering, Licensed Professional Engineer required. * Preferred Professional Engineer licensure in the State of Virginia. * Minimum of 7 years ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Civil Structural Engineer information

See Chester, VA salary details

$41.9K

$94.1K

$151.4K

How much do civil structural engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for civil structural engineer in Chester, VA is $94,120.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,400.00 and $115,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Civil Structural Engineer vs Civil Engineer?

AspectCivil Structural EngineerCivil Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Civil Engineering, PE license, structural certificationsBachelor's in Civil Engineering, PE license (optional)
Work EnvironmentDesigning, analyzing, and inspecting structures like buildings and bridgesBroader projects including transportation, water resources, and infrastructure
Industry UsageSpecialized in structural safety and integrityGeneral civil engineering projects across multiple sectors

While both roles require a civil engineering background and licensure, Civil Structural Engineers focus specifically on the design and safety of structures like buildings and bridges. Civil Engineers have a broader scope, working on various infrastructure projects. The choice depends on your interest in structural design versus general civil engineering work.

What is a civil structural engineer?

Civil Structural Engineers are professionals who design, analyze, and oversee the construction of structures such as buildings, bridges, and towers to ensure they are safe, stable, and able to withstand various loads and environmental conditions. They use principles of physics, mathematics, and material science to evaluate how structures will perform under stress and during their intended use. Their work is crucial in both new construction and the assessment or retrofitting of existing structures.

What are some typical challenges civil structural engineers face when coordinating with multidisciplinary teams on large projects?

Civil Structural Engineers often collaborate with architects, mechanical, and electrical engineers to ensure their designs integrate seamlessly with other systems. Challenges can include reconciling conflicting design requirements, managing changes in project scope, and maintaining clear communication across disciplines. Successfully navigating these challenges requires strong project management skills and the ability to adapt to evolving project needs while maintaining structural integrity and safety. Being proactive in meetings and documentation helps prevent misunderstandings and keeps complex projects on track.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a civil structural engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Civil Structural Engineer, you need a strong background in structural analysis, design principles, and materials science, usually supported by a degree in civil engineering and a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Familiarity with industry-standard tools like AutoCAD, SAP2000, ETABS, and building codes is essential. Strong problem-solving, communication, and project management skills help you collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders. These competencies ensure the safety, efficiency, and compliance of structures, which are critical for public safety and project success.
What cities near Chester, VA are hiring for Civil Structural Engineer jobs? Cities near Chester, VA with the most Civil Structural Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Civil Structural Engineer job openings in Chester, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% In-person, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,120 per year, or $45.2 per hour.

Substation Civil / Structural Engineer

HDR

Glen Allen, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


HDR rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 57 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 447 rated engineering


Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
Watch Our Story:' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story' 
Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world. 
The successful candidate will be a part of a team that provides design support for large and small-scale substation engineering projects. This is an excellent growth opportunity for a self-directed individual who wants to learn and take on new challenges. 

 
In the role of Substation Civil - Structural Engineer, we'll count on you to:
  • Lead, oversee, review, and/or execute structural engineering tasks for a variety of substation structural members such as rolled steel shapes, lattice steel framing, and folded plate tubular steel shapes. Engineering duties include detailed design, calculations, and detailing for fabrication or development of loading and concept drawings for submittal to a steel fabricator to design and fabricate.
  • Lead, oversee, review, and/or execute foundation design tasks for substation structures, including drilled piers, spread footings, driven piles, and potentially other types, using industry standard software.
  • Work with physical substation layout designs, plans, elevations/sections, details, and associated bills of materials.
  • Prepare and/or review specifications for construction & materials.
  • Coordinates and/or performs quality checks and reviews for project deliverables per the HDR Quality Management Systems (QMS) requirements, processes, and procedures to deliver a world class quality product to the client. Performs quality checks and/or reviews of projects from other teams on an as needed basis.
  • Collaborate with transmission line civil/structural engineers to cross-train and share resources
  • Collaborate with other engineers to develop and maintain standards.
  • Work independently and direct, mentor, train, and/or supervise one or more EIT's or CADD/Designers.
  • Ability to support multiple projects concurrently, utilizing teams in different locations.
  • May also assist with developing technical papers and/or presentations that showcase HDR's technical capabilities at industry conferences or other events.
  • Participate in project reviews as needed.
  • Some travel may be required.
Due to client contract requirements, US-born citizenship is required.
 
Preferred Qualifications
  • 4+ years of technical design experience with high voltage electrical switchyard and substation projects of varying complexity, including foundation and steel structural design.
  • Working knowledge of the latest AISC-360, ASCE-7, ACI-318, ASCE 113 and other industry standards.
  • Experience using industry standard design software, including MFAD, L-pile, or equivalent.
  • Track record of working cooperatively with diverse teams in multiple office locations.
  • Self-starter with strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong conceptual, organizational, problem solving, and collaboration skills.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Preference given to local candidates

*LI-MJ1

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering
  • Requires professional engineering license recognized by the licensing board for the location of the position offered. Example: Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng) license.
  • Previous structural engineer experience
  • Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, RISA, Staad, SAP, Tedds, RAM, ETABS, SAFE or similar
  • Previous experience with an architectural/engineering or engineering consulting firm
  • An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.


What HDR employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


HDR logo

About HDR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities through high-performance buildings and smart infrastructure, we provide much more than that. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include scientists, economists, builders, analysts and artists.

Industry

Specialized design services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Omaha, NE, US

Year founded

1917